Beaver Dam State Forest encompasses 1,148 acres. It is a popular area for recreational activities that can be enjoyed in a forest setting, such as hunting, snowmobiling, bird watching, nature viewing and fishing from the small brook.

The 1.5-mile Public Forest Access Road, which is accessible from Sears Road, can be traveled by bike, horse, or foot.

Featured Activities

At-large primitive camping is allowed. Campsites must be at least 150 feet away from the nearest road, trail, or body of water. Camping for more than three nights or in groups of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger.

Wildlife

General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.

Primitive and wild, Beaver Dam State Forest is home to a variety of habitats that foster a diversity of plant and animal life. As the name suggests, beavers are frequently seen along the small brook that winds through the woods. In addition to the beavers, a wide variety of song birds, amphibians such as salamanders can be found.

Directions

From I-81 Take exit # 8 toward NY RT 79 West. Travel west on NY RT 79 for about 9 miles until you reach Michigan Hill Road and take a right. (If you reach the hamlet of Richford you've gone too far.) Head north on Michigan Hill Road for about 3/4 of a mile, then make a right on Sears Road. Follow Sears Rd. for about 3/4 of a mile- the entrance to the Public Forest Access Road will be on your right.

How We Manage Beaver Dam State Forest

Beaver Dam State Forest is part of the Rockefeller Unit Management Plan, which is currently being written by DEC staff. A Unit Management Plan (UMP) guides the DEC's land management activities on several geographically related forests for a ten-year period, although a number of goals and objectives in the plan focus on a much longer time period. Each UMP addresses specific objectives and actions for public use and forest management.

History

Article 9, Titles 5 and 7, of the Environmental Conservation Law authorizes the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to provide for the management of lands acquired outside the Adirondack and Catskill Parks. Management is defined as watershed protection, the production of timber and other forest products, recreation and kindred purposes.

Most of the land encompassing what is today known as Beaver Dam State Forest was purchased between 1939 and 1942. Prior to this point, the land had been cleared of the natural vegetation and used for agriculture by early European settlers and Revolutionary War Veterans. However, because the soils common in the area are typically thin, somewhat steep and acidic, they are not fit for intensive farming. Harsh winters and short growing seasons further compounded the issue and provoked many farmers to abandon their properties in pursuit of more suitable land in the Midwest. Fortunately, the State Reforestation Act of 1929 and the Hewitt Amendment made it possible for the abandoned farmland to become productive once more through the planting of trees. Hundreds of young men found work, and the fruits of their labor is made evident by the forested landscape that now covers the land. Today, Beaver Dam State Forest provides diverse ecological, economic, and recreational services for the people of New York State
If you have questions and/or comments about this UMP, please email us info.r7@dec.ny.gov

Nearby Amenities and Attractions

Gas, food, dining and lodging may be found in the nearby communities of Ithaca.

Numerous guide books and maps are available with information on the lands, waters, trails and other recreational facilities in this area. These can be purchased at most outdoor equipment retailers, bookstores, and on-line booksellers.

Additional information, outdoor equipment, trip suggestions and guided or self-guided tours may be obtained from outdoor guide and outfitting businesses. Check area chambers of commerce, telephone directories or search the internet for listings.

Consider hiring an outdoor guide if you have little experience or woodland skills. See the NYS Outdoor Guides Association (leaves DEC website) for information on outdoor guides.